We partnered with Axom Sarba Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) and embarked on an ambitious project - Aim Higher in Assam (AHA) to develop the English language skills and teaching methodology of primary teachers in government schools across the state.

Initiated in 2011, this project was reached 460 master trainers across the state. By the end of 2014, these master trainers delivered the training to 11600 government primary teachers.

Project vision

AHA was designed to provide a high quality and needs-based training programme and support activities to selected master trainers and teachers, with the following objectives:

  • to improve the English language confidence of teachers of English from standards 1-5
  • to develop and improve the training skills of a sustainable cadre of master trainers and improve key training techniques and skills so that they can effectively train teachers
  • to enhance the ability of teachers to deliver English lessons from standards 1-5 using the NCERT Marigold series and use methodology based on the principles in the National Curriculum Framework 2005
  • to raise awareness of the project objectives and course outcomes with school leaders and Divisional Programme Officers (DPOs) so that they may support its implementation
  • to identify a cadre of mentors who will actively encourage and support systemic changes.

Key activities

  • Capacity-building workshop for master trainers to develop skills for training of teachers of English 
  • Baseline observations of classroom teaching and learning
  • Lesson planning workshop
  • TeachingEnglish Radio and LearnEnglish Radio series broadcast
  • Teacher training by master trainers (Phases 1,2,3)
  • Master trainer refresher training course (Phases 1,2,3)
  • Tips for teachers via SMS
  • Impact assessment study
  • Mentor training

Impact

Project reach

  • 460 master trainers trained over three phases
  • 11600 teachers in 26 districts of Assam trained through cascade delivery in 2012-13

Project impact

  • 70 per cent of trained master trainers met expectations during Phase1 of cascade training monitoring in December 2012
  • 96 per cent of master trainers said the training content was relevant to their current context
  • 97 per cent of master trainers said that the content or the methodology was new
  • 97 per cent of master trainers said that they felt more confident because of the training they had received

What our stakeholders say

I could develop my confidence on speaking English in this training programme which I have not taken earlier - Indra Dutta, Owtala Middle English School, Sivasagar, Assam

It was an amazing experience for me to be here. It could meet my expectation. After taking this training I am a changed man/teacher now. I have developed my thinking power, adaptation and got the capacity to create activities of my own - Amir Ali, Dhakua High Madrasa Barpeta, Assam

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